“Has blogging opened up opportunities for you beyond getting free, advance copies of new books? Has it helped you get offers to write or review elsewhere (maybe even for pay)? Have you gotten invites to special events or places you might not have been to otherwise?”
No, not really. Obviously if I got an offer to get paid for reading/reviewing I’d jump on it but that was never my intention when I started book blogging. It’s always been just a hobby for me. I have received offers to write on other blogs mainly as a guest for features. I try to accept as many of these as possible because it allows me to reach a larger audience and connect with readers who otherwise wouldn’t have visited my blog. I don’t typically review for other sites though because I have enough on my plate already with managing my own reviews.
As for earning money from blogging, again, I’m not looking to turn a profit. I have joined a number of affiliate sites and do sell advertising on my blog but what measly revenue I do generate from these is put back into the site in the form of giveaways, graphics and other blog related things. It took me 6 months to earn $10 from Amazon and even then, I still can’t really even use it because their minimum order amount for free shipping is $25. I don’t particularly want to give half of my earnings to Canada Post. If anything, I use the affiliate programs to help track where my readers are clicking and what types of books they’re reading. The stats I accumulate are far more valuable to me than the revenue I receive is.
About the Blogger
I review Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance books with a focus all things werewolf. Based out of Ottawa, Canada
Owner, designer and main blogger behind Rabid Reads. Avid book reader, snowboard bunny, video gamer and Supernatural fan. I love all things paranormal, werewolves especially. Oh, and I’m Canadian, eh!
I’m a new blogger, but I agree with you – stats are more important than revenue, at least for where I am right now. Does Canada have Amazon Prime? Depending on how much your order, that could be a good value for you so that you’d get free shipping on everything. But I’m not sure if it’s an option.
Great post! Here’s my Beyond the Blog post.
Back in the old days (5 years ago) stats were important tools to help you determine how to get more readers. Having high stats gave you bragging rights. Actually, having a blog itself gave you bragging rights.